N389SB Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
At 280 knots, N389SB's Cessna Conquest II handles regional missions of 1-3 hours at a fraction of jet operating costs. The 1,530 NM range and 2x Honeywell TPE331-8 combination makes it the workhorse of short-haul business aviation.
Mission Profile
For regional missions with moderate passenger loads, the Cessna Conquest II provides the best economics. N389SB seats 8 in a 16.0 ft cabin that handles the distances and airports that define turboprop operations.
Charter Authorization
N389SB is Part 135 certified for on-demand charter. The Cessna Conquest II is one of the most cost-effective charter platforms available. Contact us for availability.
Insider Note
Turboprops remain the first choice for operations requiring unpaved runway access, cold-weather starts, and short-field performance. N389SB's Cessna Conquest II airframe is built for exactly these conditions.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N389SB is a 1977 helicopter registered to . Rotorcraft serve missions that fixed-wing aircraft cannot: point-to-point urban transport, offshore operations, EMS, and aerial work.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N389SB based in —, . The U.S. helicopter fleet serves EMS, offshore oil and gas, law enforcement, utility, VIP transport, and flight training. Maintenance infrastructure is extensive, with turbine helicopter service available at most major airports.
Charter Availability
N389SB is Part 135 charter authorized. Helicopter charter rates range from $1,500 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on type and configuration. VIP helicopter charter serves urban transfers (Manhattan to JFK in 8 minutes), resort access, and event transportation where ground travel times exceed 2 hours.
Market Position
As a 1977 airframe, N389SB is a classic helicopter. Pre-owned values sit at $200K to $1.5M. Classic helicopters remain operationally viable when properly maintained. Turbine engine overhaul programs provide continued support, and the large installed base ensures parts availability.
Pre-buy focus: turbine engine condition (overhaul costs range from $150,000 to $400,000 depending on engine type), transmission and gearbox status, dynamic component times, and corrosion inspection results.
Mission Profile
Core strength: access. Helicopters land where fixed-wing aircraft cannot: hospital rooftops, offshore platforms, mountain ridges, yacht decks, and city helipads. The value is not in speed over distance; it is in the elimination of the first-mile and last-mile problem that every other form of transportation faces.
When to Choose Something Else
Do not charter a helicopter for large groups. Most helicopters seat 4 to 7 passengers. For groups of 8+, a fixed-wing aircraft provides more capacity at lower per-seat costs.
Ownership & Operations
Part 91 operations cover owner-flown and company-flown aircraft under general operating rules. Part 135 governs on-demand air charter, requiring higher crew qualifications, maintenance standards, and operational oversight. An aircraft can operate under both parts: Part 91 for owner use and Part 135 when offered for charter revenue. Dual-use arrangements offset ownership costs by generating charter income during idle periods.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Pre-purchase inspections are non-negotiable in aircraft acquisitions. A qualified maintenance facility conducts a detailed review of airframe, engines, avionics, and records. Inspection costs range from $15,000 to $75,000 depending on aircraft size and complexity. Findings from the pre-buy determine final pricing, identify upcoming maintenance events, and reveal any damage history that affects value.
Charter Market Context
Charter demand for business jets follows seasonal and economic patterns. Q4 (October through December) sees peak demand driven by year-end business travel, holiday flights, and tax planning (asset purchases before December 31). Q1 starts strong with CES, Davos, and Super Bowl driving specific route demand. Summer leisure travel to resort destinations creates predictable seasonal corridors.
N389SB Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N389SB
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition that fits your needs. If the aircraft is not available or does not work for you, we operate private aircraft as well and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
For more information contact us and one of our private aviation advisers will be happy to assist you.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N389SB |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Model | Cessna Conquest II (Conquest II) |
| Part 135 Operator | Lyddon Aero Center Inc |
| Category | Turbo prop |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 1977 |
| Home Airport | KDDC |
| Interior Refurbished | 1/3/2022 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 1/3/2022 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x Honeywell TPE331-8 |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 635 SHP each |
| Max Cruise Speed | 280 knots |
| Maximum Range | 1530 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 35,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | — |
| Avionics | Collins Pro Line |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N389SB
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Cessna Conquest II
N389SB is a 1977 Cessna Conquest II (Conquest II) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a turboprop in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 48 years.
N389SB is a Cessna Conquest II (Conquest II). This model serves the turboprop segment of the business aviation market. Cessna has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Cessna Conquest II is powered by 2x Honeywell TPE331-8, each producing 635 SHP each. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 35,000 feet.
The Cessna Conquest II has a maximum cruise speed of 280 knots. Long-range cruise is 250 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 840 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Cessna Conquest II (Conquest II) has an approximate range of 1,530 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of coast-to-coast routes such as New York to Los Angeles, or Miami to Seattle. At a cruise speed of approximately 280 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Conquest II seats up to 8 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 16.0 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
The Cessna Conquest II has a maximum service ceiling of 35,000 feet (FL350). At this altitude, the aircraft operates above commercial traffic and most weather systems. The pressurization system maintains a cabin altitude of approximately 5,500-6,500 feet at maximum cruise altitude, reducing passenger fatigue on long flights.
Yes. The Cessna Conquest II is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Collins Pro Line avionics avionics, supporting precision approaches, RNAV/GPS navigation, FANS/CPDLC for oceanic operations, and ADS-B Out compliance. All Part 135 charter operations require two instrument-rated pilots.
The Cessna Conquest II cabin measures 16.0 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. Most passengers can stand upright in the center aisle. Baggage capacity is 50 cu ft.
The Cessna Conquest II has 50 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 8+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Cessna Conquest II is equipped with Collins Pro Line avionics. This integrated flight deck provides enhanced situational awareness, synthetic vision, TCAS II, and weather radar. The system supports single-crew operations where type-certified, though Part 135 charter flights require two pilots.
The Cessna Conquest II was produced from 1981-1986. The type remains in production or active service. This specific aircraft (N389SB) was manufactured in 1977.
The Cessna Conquest II competes in the Turboprop segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 280 knots, range of 1,530 nm, and a 4.8 ft-foot-wide cabin. Selection between competing types depends on mission profile, operator availability, and total trip cost.
Charter rates for the Cessna Conquest II typically range from $1,000-$1,500 per flight hour, depending on operator, region, and seasonal demand. This includes crew, fuel at current Jet-A prices, and standard handling. Additional costs may include FBO fees, overnight crew expenses, international handling, and repositioning if the aircraft is not based at the departure airport.
Yes. N389SB holds an active Part 135 certificate under Lyddon Aero Center Inc, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability and schedule a flight.
Contact us for acquisition information about N389SB. Our aviation advisors can provide market valuation and availability details.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition. If this aircraft is not available, we operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.